Study: Rural Children At Higher Risk For Poverty 

The report suggests that lawmakers make child development, particularly in rural communities, a priority for resources which could help.

(Undated) - A new study suggests children living in rural Indiana are more at risk for living in poverty. 

The report, “End of Childhood Report: Growing Up Rural In America”, was released on Wednesday, just ahead of International Children’s Day on June 1.

Save the Children President and CEO Carolyn Miles says poverty shortens life expectancy for children. 

“The future for the poorest kids versus the future for the richest kids is really getting to be a bigger and bigger gap,” Miles says.

The organization's annual End of Childhood Index ranked Indiana as 38th best state for children based on five factors.  The study looked at infant mortality rates, food insecurities, high school drop out rates, child homicide or suicide rates and teen pregnancy. 

Putting a strain on rural communities is that Indiana’s manufacturing industry has slowed over the years.

“Vibrant industries are not there anymore, so the economics in these areas are very, very tough,” adds Miles.

Also, rural families often run in circles as they try to make ends meet. They frequently face longer commutes to work and limited access to health care. Indiana’s sixth-highest infant mortality rate in the country, with about 620 babies dying before their first birthday in 2016, is more pronounced in rural communities.

The report suggests that lawmakers make child development, particularly in rural communities, a priority for resources which could help.

Save the Children also found that 19 percent of children in Indiana don't have enough food.  That adds up to over 300,000 hungry children.  

On a good note, Indiana is making strides in raising high school graduation rates. 

In the same report, Ohio rank’s just behind Indiana as the 39th best state for children. Kentucky was just ahead at 37th.